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LeBron James took a major loss today when in request to trademark the phrase “Taco Tuesday” was rejected by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. James, who has engaged his social media fans on Instagram with his videos of him and his family and friends eating tacos on Tuesday, was rumored to be looking to brand the videos and continue to do what he does best: make money.
The news that the request was denied comes from Darren Rovell, who tweeted out the decision on LeBron James’ request, which followed the L.A. Lakers’ star’s decision to try and trademark the commonly used phrase just a few weeks ago.
BREAKING: U.S Patent & Trademark Office has refused @KingJames’ trademark application for “Taco Tuesday.” Examining attorney found that phrase was a “commonplace message” and can’t be protected as a trademark. First discovered by @JoshGerben. pic.twitter.com/cnebxx9hyt
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 12, 2019
JUST IN: LeBron James leaves no potential business opportunity on the table. Over time, he has sought to own “Taco Tuesday.” He has now filed to trademark the phrase for social media posts and a show of that name. First discovered by @JoshGerben pic.twitter.com/IXNduvilzR
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 31, 2019
Given the fact everyone likes to pile on LeBron James when something like this happens, social media had some pretty A+ reactions to the news that he took the L on the chin. Take a look at some of what people were saying on Twitter below.
https://twitter.com/fullerjoh/status/1171942759055396866?s=20
— CW (@chadwethern) September 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/CrazyGeorge89/status/1171942918522695681?s=20
Really? You mean he didn't come up with Taco Tuesday…totally shocked
— jayK$87 (@jaynak87) September 12, 2019
Don’t forget hump day pic.twitter.com/4RknVFFGMv
— Hailstate Tailgate in Tigerland (@Mstate2004) September 12, 2019
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) September 12, 2019
Another L when it matters most. At least he’s used to it
— Reid Bankston (@reid_bankston) September 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/Montreal_XRays/status/1171942969911533569?s=20
Unfortunately, for James, even though his “Taco Tuesday” request was reviewed, according to Josh Gerben, a small Mexican restaurant in Wyoming actually already owns the phrase, which is pretty hilarious when you consider every single taco joint uses it for marketing every Tuesday night.
Yes. Taco John's has owned a federal trademark registration on TACO TUESDAY for "restaurant services" since 1989.
The USPTO could refuse Lebron's application because of this pre-existing registration. pic.twitter.com/RtRdiD4oZy
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) August 31, 2019
Oh well, maybe LeBron James can change his Instagram schtick to “Taco Thursday” instead? Or how about “Soup Sunday?” Yeah, that might work…